[psycho d]

Made in 1960 but banned in France until 1963, this was Godard's second film. Slow to get off the ground, once it does so it keeps the viewer riveted. Centering on the War in Algeria, this is a dark portrayal of the fringe elements of that war. Torture scenes are shown between casual dialogue between captive(r) and captive(e), guns are drawn and left that way whilst walking down walkways or driving down the road, and women should never age over 26. Our hero here is stuck in the middle. Without a home country, he is surrounded by enemies and those threatening to become so. And then he meets the screen's beauty, an outlet really for his frustrations. This flick is daring but difficult, with infamous handheld camera-work and run-on dialogue, long takes and abruptly ended scenes. The acting was superb here, as was the direction. The camera-work was intriguing and engaging. The piano score-disquieting. Overall a difficult yet wonderful flick. Ashe.
derek